Question Number: 17561

Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/28/2007

RE: High School, Sunday and Cup league Adult

Carl Belletti of Pittsburgh, Pa. USA asks...

We had a penalty kick and the hit off the cross bar. The ball came back out to the player taking the kick. He did not touch the ball for second time. The defensive player tried to push him into the ball but the he kept on shielding him until another player came in to touch the ball. Are question as referee group was what would be the call if the player from the other team had pushed him into the ball and did still did not play the ball? If he is still shielding the ball would make the call then?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Carl,
I see no fault in the player simply standing near the ball forcing an opponent to go around but if the player chooses to shield the ball as he is a player who cannot LEGALLY play the ball in my opinion he has unfairly impeded the opponent. I see it as an INDFK against because although the ball might be construed as within a playable distance the player in question cannot play it. The INDFK call should be made before the push could occur! However, if the push occurs and the player was simply standing their ground we have a new pk situation
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Ref Dawson's interpretation agrees with that of the USSF. Shielding the ball when you are not allowed to play it is impeding.

You ask what would happen if the opponent pushed the player into touching the ball. I'm sure you know what happens when a player pushes an opponent. Call that foul, don't worry about the 2nd touch.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course, while Ref Dawson is correct as per FIFA and USSF Law, you're talking about High SChool and it's possible this is allowed.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

NFHS does not address this eventuality in it's rules or play rulings so the referee is free to exercise his good judgement. One will note the good judgement exercised by high school referees generates many questions on this site and on others as well. It seems even though they are permitted to use good judgement few have it to use...

Regards,

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 17622

See Question: 17623